On March 24th, youth and and adults from over a dozen churches around our presbytery participated in the national and local extensions of March for Our Lives. As some of our youngest disciples marched, they intersected their faith and public witness in pursuit of gun reform and other measures to increase school safety and reduce mass shootings that continue to plague this nation. The youth ministry from Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, in partnership with Overbrook Presbyterian Church, even participated in a pre-march training in non-violent action and a workshop hosted by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C.
Below are some brief yet faithful reflections from youth of one of our churches:
Ellie, 18, Doylestown Presbyterian Church (attended a local Doylestown march): “I marched for those who couldn’t, for the people who are now a statistic before they could see any good change come. I marched because I know how it feels to be nervous in a classroom, ducking under desks after an intruder came onto my school’s campus. That feeling is something I will never forget and I wish that no one will ever feel like that…My faith motivates me to move forward in a peaceful way that will support me and other students in this movement. I also feel as though the church is doing that too. It is powerful to see the different congregations coming together with their members and communities in this time to spread love and support to everyone participating. The church can act as a guiding voice for those who are unsure what to do or how to feel about what has been happening with gun violence.”
Anneleise, 19, Doylestown Presbyterian Church (attended march in Washington D.C.): “My faith is a factor in this March as it has always taught me to seek the best for people and to value life. My faith guides my beliefs in that I believe no one should be subject to fear and loss in their day to day lives. It has taught me to fight for the light in the world and to do my part in dismissing darkness.”
Madelyn, 14, Doylestown Presbyterian Church (attended a local Doylestown march): “I marched because I believe gun violence is a big issue in America and it needs to be solved. I marched because as a teenager, not able to vote yet, my voice isn’t heard often and this was a way my voice could be heard. I hope that people realize how many adults and children are trying to make a change and how hard we are working for this change. I would like to see the government acknowledge how hard we are working and work just as hard to solve the issue of gun violence. I ultimately want gun violence to end as much as it possible can and for people everywhere to feel safe walking in their community and at their school.”